Super Bowl 2012: New York Giants Won, but Will Have Hard Time Repeating

The New York Giants went on a miracle run to win Super Bowl XLVI, and at the end no one, not even the mighty New England Patriots could stand in the way of New York winning a world title. 

While we know the Giants proved just how good they are in clutch situations, I think they'll have an incredibly difficult time repeating as Super Bowl champions next year, and I have statistics and history on my side. 

While New York will return most of its core group of players, several key contributors will be free agents. Tackle Kareem McKenzie, safety Deon Grant, cornerback Aaron Ross, linebacker Chase Blackburn, punter Steve Weatherford and receiver Mario Manningham are all free to walk away. 

I would be that the majority of those guys return but still, the Giants will have some holes to fill and remember they were only 9-7 this season and barely slipped into the playoffs. 

The big thing to remember here is that of the past six Super Bowl winners, none have returned to the game the next season. If that wasn't enough, those six teams haven't won a single playoff game the following year. Not one. 

Look no further than the Green Bay Packers, who were the NFL's best team all season long, compiling a 15-1 record and earning home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. They fell in their postseason opener to the Giants. 

In fact, the New England Patriots were the last team to repeat as Super Bowl champions way back in 2004, and they are the only squad in 12 years to do so. 

So enjoy the celebrations Giants fans—you and your team have earned it. Just don't think a return to the big game is a sure thing. In fact, it's highly unlikely.